"The majority of these individuals are known or believed to be living abroad or have now returned to their country of origin.

"When registered sex offenders are missing or wanted in the UK, all police forces are alerted. If they return to the UK, there are processes in place to ensure that they are brought to the attention of police and arrested where appropriate.

"While we understand the concerns regarding the activity of convicted sex offenders and the issues they present to the community, we can assure members of the public we are committed to managing them, with our other criminal justice partners, in line with the risk that they present to the community."

Alex Mayes, spokesperson for independent charity Victim Support said: “These figures will potentially be very alarming to victims of sexual offences and the public knowing there are a small number of sex offenders in the Lancashire area that are unaccounted for.”

“To ensure the safety and wellbeing of survivors of sexual offences, as well as local communities, it is vital that the police strictly monitor sex offenders.

“We provide practical and emotional support to victims of all crimes, including sexual offences."

Nearly 500 sex offenders are believed to be missing nationally according to recent figures compiled by Sky News.

Under the Sex Offenders Act, all convicted sex offenders must register with the police, in person, within three days of their conviction, or release from prison.

Once registered, a convicted sex offender must continue this registration on an annual basis.